Milk Thistle: A Plant With Incredible Benefits
Milk thistle is a popular medicinal product that has various beneficial properties. You can find out more about it here.
The milk thistle (Cardus marianus) is a one to biennial plant that is particularly widespread in the Mediterranean region. However, it can also be found in Asia, India, and Siberia, and has established itself as an invasive plant in North and South America and Australia.
The milk thistle is a popular remedy that has various beneficial properties. For example, it contains the following nutrients:
- protein
- Fiber
- Silymarin
- unsaturated fatty acids
- vitamin C
- Minerals (magnesium, calcium, potassium, selenium)
- Campesterol
- fat
Most people take milk thistle in the form of capsules and tablets, as the most important active ingredients are not water-soluble and therefore do not have an effect in one infusion.
Read on to learn about the benefits of this herb, as well as possible side effects.
1. Milk thistle helps with liver disease
Thanks to its silymarin content, milk thistle can relieve the symptoms of the following diseases:
- Fatty liver
- cirrhosis
- Jaundice
- Liver failure
- hepatitis
The flavonoid silymarin stabilizes the lipid structures of the liver cell membranes and thus prevents harmful substances from penetrating the liver cells.
At the same time, the milk thistle helps to filter harmful substances from the blood that do not even get into the liver.
Milk thistle is also recommended for patients being treated with chemotherapy to prevent liver damage.
As already mentioned, silymarin is not soluble in water, so tea makes little sense. Capsules or tablets are best.
2. Milk thistle for acne
The antioxidant effects of this plant also help with acne. In addition, milk thistle provides important vitamins, promotes the detoxification process and supports a healthy hormonal balance.
You can also use it to slow down the aging process and the formation of wrinkles! This plant ensures clean, smooth and soft skin.
3. Diabetes
The active ingredients in milk thistle reduce blood sugar levels and prevent complications in diabetes. If you have diabetes, however, you should definitely seek advice from your doctor to be on the safe side!
4. Cholesterol
This medicinal plant also reduces cholesterol and improves blood circulation. This can prevent deposits in the blood vessels. Good cholesterol (HDL) can be increased with milk thistle.
5. Natural anti-inflammatory
This plant contains important minerals and is anti-inflammatory. It has long been used to relieve inflammation and pain.
6. Menstrual problems and constipation
This type of thistle is also helpful with these complaints. This promotes blood circulation in the abdomen, while at the same time reducing gas and pain.
This medicinal plant is rich in fiber, so it stimulates bowel movements and has a laxative effect. This is how you can prevent constipation.
Side effects
Despite the many great benefits of milk thistle , it can be dangerous at times, especially if your body cannot digest it properly.
This plant contains nitrate and can therefore lead to changes in the intestine, which can have the following effects:
- nausea
- Vomit
- Flatulence
- stomach pain
- diarrhea
A slight rash or allergic reaction can occur in sensitive people. In addition , there may be loss of appetite, joint pain or headaches. You should rule out an allergy and seek advice from a doctor as to whether this medicinal plant makes sense in the individual case.
